We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
Abigail AdamsRead
I've always felt that a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting points of view he can entertain simultaneously on the same topic.
Interpretation
Intelligence is shown by one's ability to consider multiple viewpoints on a topic.
This quote by Abigail Adams suggests that true intelligence is not just about having knowledge or strong opinions, but rather the ability to understand and entertain diverse perspectives on the same issue. It highlights a deeper cognitive flexibility and openness to complexity, which are essential for meaningful dialogue and deeper understanding in a nuanced world.
In practice
This quote can be used during a debate to emphasize the necessity of understanding opposing views.
We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.
Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.
If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?
I begin to think, that a calm is not desirable in any situation in life. Man was made for action and for bustle too, I believe.
The habits of a vigorous mind are born in contending with difficulties.
Ultimately there is light and love and intelligence in this universe. And we are it, we carry that within us, itβs not just something out there, it is within us and this is what we are trying to re-connect with, our original light and love and intelligence, which is who we are, so do not get so distracted by all this other stuff, you know, really remember what we are here on this planet for.
When you have to prove the value of your ideas by persuading other people to pay for them, it clears out an awful lot of woolly thinking.
Diseases can be our spiritual flat tires - disruptions in our lives that seem to be disasters at the time but end by redirecting our lives in a meaningful way.
I've reached the age of self-knowledge, so I don't know anything. People who claim that they know something are responsible for most of the fuss in the world.
The worst advice? 'Don't listen to the critics.' I think that you really ought to listen to the critics, because sometimes they're telling you something is broken that you can fix.
Talent without craft is like fuel without an engine, it burns wildly but accomplishes nothing.
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